In Sarnia court, former basketball coach and Sarnia Observer reporter James Miller has finished testifying in his first historical sexual assault trial. Miller, now a Penticton councillor, pleaded not guilty to allegations from the ’90s and 2000s. One complainant described years of grooming, gifts, and abuse as a minor, including incidents at Miller’s Sandy Lane apartment sauna and on road trips. Miller admitted close ties and trips but denied all sexual misconduct. The judge reserved his decision for June. A second trial starts later this month.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

St. Clair County leaders are moving forward with plans to update animal control rules after a packed and emotional meeting Thursday. A committee voted 5-to-1 to send the changes to the full County Board on May 21. Under the proposal, police would handle criminal animal cruelty cases, while animal control focuses on shelters, licenses, and civil complaints. Sheriff King said his department is not taking over but will work together on serious cases to follow state law. Some residents fear it could weaken quick responses to animal welfare calls.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet

Port Huron is pausing repairs on the Black River Canal to wait for expected federal funding. The canal has been closed since an ice jam damaged the Tainter gate in January of ’24. City Manager James Freed says a federal rescue plan is now in both houses of Congress. He expects money could arrive between March and May of next year, with construction starting soon after and the canal reopening in summer of ’28. Freed says using local tax dollars now would not be smart.

Reporting for WGRT – JP bZet